Romanian Athletics Federation in training row

The Romanian Athletics Federation will push ahead with plans to pay their elite athletes to train outside the country for the rest of the winter after complaints about training facilities.

At the centre of the row is the Lia Manoliu Centre in Bucharest, regarded as the country’s best facility.

Federation secretary Nicolae Marasescu said: “The Federation will give e35 a day towards a house, meals and other expenses for the training abroad. If the athlete spends more, they will pay the excess.”

Marian Oprea, the silver medallist in the triple jump at the Athens Olympic Games, said the Lia Manoliu Centre had contributed to him picking up a knee injury, which has required medical treatment.

“The approach to the long jump and triple jump take-off board is dangerous,” said Ms Oprea.

The champion athlete’s coach, Doina Anton added: “The athletes are damaging their legs as they run in to the take-off board.”